Semoball Awards show a glamorous evening

Saturday night was the biggest night in Southeast Missouri for recognizing high school sports, as the second annual Semoball Awards celebrated excellence and determination at the River Campus in Cape Girardeau. The show sold out, and the place was buzzing as hundreds of athletes, their families and special guests spilled into the atrium.

More than 200 athletes from Southeast Missouri were celebrated for their accomplishments on the field, in the classroom and through sportsmanship.

Cape Girardeau Central's Al Young and Saxony Lutheran's Brianna Mueller won the top honors with the SoutheastHEALTH Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

If you missed the event, visit semoball.com to read stories and view photo galleries. The photos demonstrate the electric atmosphere, full of red carpet fun, an ice sculpture and VIP reception.

Many of the guys were sharply dressed (including a few bow ties), and the girls walked the red carpet in dresses and heels. Sports reporter Erin Unnerstall interviewed many athletes on the carpet. The show itself included dramatic lights, a huge screen and great sound.

Following the show, an after party was held in the atrium with cheesecake and soft drinks.

The highlight for many was hearing gold medal softball player Jennie Finch give an inspiring talk. Finch encouraged the athletes to be the best they could be, giving many examples of determination and sportsmanship during her stellar athletic career. Her message of faith and encouragement to be a role model was spot on.

"Everybody sees you on the stage, they see you winning awards, they see you winning championships. They don't see your blood and sweat and tears that went into it. It takes a lot of hard work, and I commend each and every single one of you for going above and beyond," Finch said.

Several of us had an opportunity to visit with Finch while in Cape Girardeau. She's a joy to be around, and she appreciated the opportunity to speak. We thank her for accepting the invitation.

The Olympian also handed out each award to recipients. After the show, she took a photograph with all the finalists and several selfie photos with athletes.

Awards for 19 sports were handed out as well as Male and Female Scholar Athletes of the Year, Coach of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year and Best in Sportsmanship. Three Rivers Coach Gene Bess was awarded the first Lifetime Achievement Award and received a standing ovation. Puxico High School won the Best Fans Award, and Notre Dame Regional High School earned the first Semoball Awards Cup, a traveling trophy to recognize the school with the most winning athletic program.

Thank you to the sponsors who helped make the night possible, including presenting sponsor SoutheastHEALTH and title sponsors First Midwest Bank (Official Bank Sponsor), Harry Blackwell Family of Dealerships, Athlon Sports, the St. Louis Cardinals and SEMO ESPN Radio.

Congratulations to all the finalists and award recipients.

And thanks to all the athletes and their families for attending.